Thought for the Day

Verse 8 - One requirement for receiving wisdom is to heed the godly advice of our parents. This admonition is a facet of the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." Notice that this commandment comes with a promise: if we honor our parents, we will have long life. We might wonder how this is true, but consider one possibility: young children failing to obey their parents can get into dangerous situations that could cost them their lives. Parents instruct their children to look both ways for oncoming traffic before crossing streets; a car could kill a child who does not obey these instructions.

Parents, being more experienced, can help their children avoid the same mistakes which they may have made. Even grown children can learn from their parents: how to raise children, how to manage financial affairs, how to find help with their occupations, help in seeking a mate, for example. Christian parents possess even greater wisdom to pass on to their families. Those who know God's Word are in a position to pass godly advice on to their children. The children can become the recipients of a chain of blessings from their fathers and mothers.

Verse 9 - These blessings are described in today's verses as a victor's wreath, symbolic of walking as an overcomer in life; and a golden necklace, symbolic of prosperity and favor. If we are obedient children, we shall have these blessings. If we are godly parents, we shall be able to pass these blessings on to our children, who will in turn, be able to pass them on to theirs.